Breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device

ABSTRACT

A breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device is disclosed. The breathing airflow detecting device includes a case, wherein a light switching module and a light blocking element are arranged in the case. The light blocking element is arranged between optical routes of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. When airflow from an inlet blows and swings the light blocking element, the light blocking element blocks light or passes light to the light receiving element. When the light receiving element detects the variation of light, the light receiving element emits a signal from the output port of the light switching module to drive or stop driving a nebulizing device. As a result, when a patient breathes, the nebulizing device is driven such that the volume of the nebulized medicine is accurately inhaled into the patient&#39;s lungs.

This application claims priority for Taiwan (R.O.C.) patent application no. 109111069 filed on 31 Mar. 2020, the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirely.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the airflow detecting technology, particularly to a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device.

Description of the Related Art

For some patients, medicines cannot be swallowed due to the disease, or some medicines need to be inhaled into the lungs by inhalation to achieve curative effects. Therefore, a nebulizing device is required to nebulize the liquid medicines, such that the patient inhales the nebulized medicines. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the patient must wear a mask 20 and inhale the medicines provided by a nebulizing device 24 through a gas tube 26. If a ventilator 30 is supplying oxygen to the patient, the nebulizing device 24 can be installed between the ventilator 30 and the mask 20, oxygen of the ventilator 30 and the medicines of the nebulizing device 24 are delivered to the mask 20, such that the patient inhales oxygen and medicines.

However, when nebulizing the medicines, the lung capacity of inspiratory and expiratory of the patient needs to be considered. Therefore, a great number of medicines are nebulized when the patient inhales airflow whose volume has a fixed range, whereby the medicines are successfully inhaled into the lungs and evenly distributed in each position of the lungs. For example, if the patient inhales in an exaggerated manner such that the airflow is very fast inhaled, the lungs will soon be full of air and inhale the insufficient nebulized medicines, which will degrade the treatment effect.

Therefore, how to detect the airflow to improve the medicine supplying efficiency of the nebulizing device and avoid wasting medicines is an important issue. In the conventional technology, a pressure sensing element is used to sense the wind pressure and then convert it into the volume of airflow. However, the pressure sensing element is expensive. Alternatively, a fan turbine is used to supply medicines, but its structure is complex and difficult to repair when damaged.

To overcome the abovementioned problems, the present invention provides a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device, which uses a light blocking element to block light emitted by a light switching module. When a patient breathes, the inhaled airflow swings the light blocking element to block the light, thereby generating a signal to drive a nebulizing device. As a result, the nebulized medicines are successfully inhaled into the lungs of the patient to avoid wasting medicines.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device, which bores the blocking sheet of the light blocking element to form a hole. The light emitted by the light emitting element passes through the hole and reaches the light receiving element. Besides, a blocking edge at one side of the hole can block the light to determine whether sufficient airflow passes through the hole to drive the nebulizing device.

To achieve the abovementioned objectives, the present invention provides a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device. The breathing airflow detecting device comprises: at least one case with two ends thereof respectively provided with an inlet and an outlet; at least one light switching module, arranged in the at least one case, comprising a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and an output port, wherein the light emitting element is configured to emit light to the light receiving element, and the light receiving element is configured to detect variation of the light; and a light blocking element arranged in the at least one case, wherein when airflow from the inlet blows the light blocking element, the light blocking element swings in a direction vertical to a direction where the light emitting element emits the light, thereby blocking the light or passing the light to the light receiving element; wherein when the light receiving element detects the variation of the light, the light receiving element outputs a signal from the output port to drive or stop driving a nebulizing device.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one case includes a first case and a second case, the second case is embedded into the first case, an end of the second case is provided with the inlet, the first case is provided with the outlet opposite to the inlet, and the airflow flows into the second case and out of the outlet through the inlet, the second case, and the first case.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the second case is provided with a vent, and the airflow coming from the inlet passes through the vent and blows the light blocking element.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the light blocking element is penetrated with a first hole.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a blocking sheet is protruded up from a lower part of the light blocking element in a direction where the light blocking element swings and penetrated with a second hole, and the light passes through the second hole.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the blocking sheet comprises silicone, plastic, or metal.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the light blocking element is a flexible blocking sheet.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the output port are arranged on a bottom board, and the bottom board is arranged on a bottom base.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the inlet of the at least one case is connected to a mask for receiving breathing airflow exhaled by a user.

Below, the embodiments are described in detail in cooperation with the drawings to make easily understood the technical contents, characteristics and accomplishments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a user inhaling medicines through a nebulizing device in the conventional technology;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C are cross-sectional views of the operation of a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device applied to a portable nebulizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device independently applied to a ventilator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device disconnected from a ventilator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a diagram schematically illustrating a light blocking element according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 7B-7D are diagrams schematically illustrating a light blocking element swinging different angles to block or pass light according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device. The breathing airflow detecting device uses breathing airflow to vary the result detected by a light switching module, whereby the light switching module generates a signal to drive the nebulizing device to supply medicines.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a breathing airflow detecting device 10 for a nebulizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a breathing airflow detecting device 10 for a nebulizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the breathing airflow detecting device 10 comprises at least one case, at least one light switching module 14, and a light blocking element 16. Two ends of the case are respectively provided with an inlet 136 and an outlet 122. In the embodiment, the at least one case comprises a first case 12 and a second case 13. The second case 13 is embedded into the first case 12. Using a locking element (not shown) to pass through a locking hole 138, the second case 13 is fixed to the first case 12. An end of the second case 13 is provided with the inlet 136 and the first case 12 is provided with the outlet 122 opposite to the inlet 136. Besides, the second case 13 is provided with a vent 132. The airflow coming from the inlet 136 passes to the outlet 122 through the vent 132. The light switching module 14 is arranged in the first case 12. The light switching module 14 comprises a light emitting element 144, a light receiving element 146, and an output port 148. The light emitting element 144, the light receiving element 146, and the output port 148 are arranged on a bottom board 142. The bottom board 142 is arranged on a bottom base 18. The light emitting element 144 has a light source 145. The light source 145 may emit light to the light receiving element 146. The light receiving element 146 may detect the variation of the light. For example, no light was before received, but light is now detected. Alternatively, light was before received, but no light is now detected. The light blocking element 16 may be a flexible blocking sheet. The light blocking element 16 is arranged in the first case 12. The upper part of the light blocking element 16 is fixed to a convex portion 134 at the front side of the second case 13. When airflow from the inlet blows the light blocking element, the light blocking element 16 swings in a direction vertical to a direction where the light emitting element 144 emits the light. The light blocking element 16 is penetrated with a first hole 162 for reducing the weight of the light blocking element 16 and softening the light blocking element 16. Thus, the light blocking element 16 is easily blown by wind. In addition, a blocking sheet 164 is protruded up from the lower part of the light blocking element 16 in a direction where the light blocking element 16 swings. The blocking sheet 164 comprises silicone, plastic, or metal. The blocking sheet 164 is penetrated with a second hole 165 and provided with two blocking edges 166 at two sides of the second hole 165. The light passes through the second hole 165. As a result, the second hole 165 and the blocking edges 166 are used to vary the result detected by the light receiving element 146 and to power up or shut down the nebulizing device.

The light blocking element 16 swings with the airflow. The distance where the light blocking element 16 swings is long when the speed and volume of the airflow are high. The distance where the light blocking element 16 swings is short when the speed and volume of the airflow are low. The size of the second hole 165 has a range where the light emitted by the light emitting element 144 passes and the light receiving element 146 receives the light. Since different patients have different lung capacities, the speed and volume of the airflow exhaled by these patients are different. As a result, the length of the second hole 165 is adaptable based on the lung capacities of different patients.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a breathing airflow detecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the light switching module is in a normally-off state. Referring to FIG. 3A, the blocking edge of the blocking sheet 164 blocks the optical route of the light source 145, such that the light receiving element 146 cannot receive the light emitted by the light source 145. The vent 132 faces to the blocking sheet 164. FIGS. 3B-3C are diagrams schematically illustrating the light blocking element 14 blown by the airflow to swing. Referring to FIG. 3B, when the airflow from the vent 132 blows the light blocking element 16 to swing, the second hole 164 moves to a position where the light emitted by the light source 145 passes. Since the light receiving element 146 suddenly detects the light, the light receiving element 146 outputs a signal to drive the nebulizing device to supply medicines. When the airflow continues blowing the light blocking element 16 to swing frontward, another blocking edge 166 of the blocking sheet 164 blocks the light source 145. Thus, the light receiving element 146 detects the variation of the light and sends out a signal to stop driving the nebulizing device.

Accordingly, the breathing frequency of the patient can be accurately grasped. When the patient exhales, the nebulizing device is immediately driven, so that the patient can inhale the nebulized medicine when inhaling. This way, a fact that the patient does not inhale the nebulized medicines to cause waste when supplying the nebulized medicines for a long time is avoided. Besides, a fact that the treatment effect is affected due to the different between the breathing frequency of the patient and the frequency that the nebulizing device supplies medicines is also avoided.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the breathing airflow detecting device is combined with a portable nebulizing device 22. A nebulizing device 24 is arranged on the portable nebulizing device 22. A user wears a mask 20 for breathing. When the user exhales, the exhaled airflow blows the light blocking element 16 to swing. When the light switching module 12 detects the variation of the light, the light switching module 12 sends out a signal to the nebulizing device 24, thereby driving the nebulizing device 24 to supply nebulized medicines. Thus, the user inhales the nebulized medicines when inhaling.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Compared with FIG. 1, the breathing airflow detecting device 10 of FIG. 5 is arranged between a ventilator 30 and the nebulizing device 24. The ventilator 30 continues supplying oxygen such that the light blocking element of the breathing airflow detecting device 10 swings upward. When the user wears the mask 20 and exhales, the exhaled airflow reaches the breathing airflow detecting device 10 through a tube. The exhaled airflow flows in a direction opposite to a direction where oxygen flows to decrease the height of the light blocking element and to vary the light detecting result of the light receiving element, such as suddenly passing light or suddenly blocking light to output a signal. The second embodiment further comprises a controller 19 coupled to the output port of the light switching module and the nebulizing device 24. The nebulizing device 24 receives the signal from the light switching module to drive or stop driving the nebulizing device 24. The controller 19 may be integrated with the nebulizing device 24.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the breathing airflow detecting device 10 is combined with the mask 20 and connected to the bottom port of the nebulizing device 24 through a tube (not shown). The controller 19 is independently arranged and coupled to the breathing airflow detecting device 10 and the nebulizing device 24. For example, the controller 19 is coupled to the breathing airflow detecting device 10 and the nebulizing device 24 through universal serial bus (USB) ports or other signal cables. When a user wears the mask 20 and exhales, the airflow reaches the breathing airflow detecting device 10 through the tube and swings the light blocking element, such that the light detecting result of the light receiving element varies, such as suddenly passing light or suddenly blocking light. Thus, the breathing airflow detecting device 10 sends out a signal to the controller 19 to switch on or off the nebulizing device 24.

In the abovementioned embodiments, the lower blocking sheet of the light blocking element has a shape of rectangular, but the present invention is not limited thereto. FIG. 7A is a diagram schematically illustrating a light blocking element according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7B-7D are diagrams schematically illustrating a light blocking element swinging different angles to block or pass light according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment, the blocking sheet 164 has a I-shape. In addition to the second hole 165, the blocking sheet 164 has another hole. The number of the blocking edge 166 is only one. FIGS. 7B-7D are diagrams schematically illustrating a light switching module in a normally-on state according to an embodiment of the present invention. When there is no airflow, the light emitted by the light source 145 passes through the right hole of the blocking sheet 164. As a result, the turn-on state of the light switching module is maintained. When the airflow blows the light blocking element 16 to swing, the blocking edge 166 blocks the light source 145, as illustrated in FIG. 7C. As illustrated in FIG. 7D, the light blocking element 16 swings a larger angle when the airflow continues blowing the light blocking element 16. Thus, the second hole 165 moves to the front of the light source 145, such that the light can pass through the second hole 165.

In conclusion, the present invention provides a breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device, which uses the light blocking element to block the light emitted by the light switching module. In such a case, the light switching module is in a normally-off state. When a patient breathes, the exhaled airflow swings the light blocking element to pass light. Thus, the light switching module sends out a signal to drive the nebulizing device. Alternatively, when the light switching module is in a normally-on state, the light blocking element does not block the light emitted by the light switching module. When a patient breathes, the exhaled airflow swings the light blocking element to block light. Thus, the light switching module sends out a signal to drive the nebulizing device. Therefore, the present invention can successfully grasp the breathing frequency of the patient, such that the nebulized medicines accurately are inhaled into the lungs of the patient to avoid wasting the medicines.

The embodiments described above are only to exemplify the present invention but not to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any equivalent modification or variation according to the shapes, structures, features, or spirit disclosed by the present invention is to be also included within the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device comprising: at least one case with two ends thereof respectively provided with an inlet and an outlet; at least one light switching module, arranged in the at least one case, comprising a light emitting element, a light receiving element, and an output port, wherein the light emitting element is configured to emit light to the light receiving element, and the light receiving element is configured to detect variation of the light; and a light blocking element arranged in the at least one case, wherein when airflow from the inlet blows the light blocking element, the light blocking element swings in a direction vertical to a direction where the light emitting element emits the light, thereby blocking the light or passing the light to the light receiving element, wherein when the light receiving element detects the variation of the light, the light receiving element outputs a signal from the output port to drive or stop driving a nebulizing device.
 2. The breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device of claim 1, wherein the at least one case includes a first case and a second case, the second case is embedded into the first case, an end of the second case is provided with the inlet, the first case is provided with the outlet opposite to the inlet, and the airflow flows into the second case and out of the outlet through the inlet, the second case, and the first case.
 3. The breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device of claim 2, wherein the second case is provided with a vent, and the airflow coming from the inlet passes through the vent and blows the light blocking element.
 4. The breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device of claim 1, wherein the light blocking element is penetrated with a first hole.
 5. The breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device of claim 1, wherein a blocking sheet is protruded up from a lower part of the light blocking element in a direction where the light blocking element swings and penetrated with a second hole, and the light passes through the second hole.
 6. The breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device of claim 5, wherein the blocking sheet comprises silicone, plastic, or metal.
 7. The breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device of claim 1, wherein the light blocking element is a flexible blocking sheet.
 8. The breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device of claim 1, wherein the light emitting element, the light receiving element, and the output port are arranged on a bottom board, and the bottom board is arranged on a bottom base.
 9. The breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device of claim 1, wherein the inlet of the at least one case is connected to a mask for receiving breathing airflow exhaled by a user. 